Arcadia High School proudly sent off its graduating Class of 2024 on Thursday at Santa Anita Park, where against the early evening backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains, a cohort that set “new benchmarks for future classes” was celebrated.

It didn’t take long for details to come about a class that started high school in the COVID-19 era and ended it in-person, with smiles, hugs, tears, family, friends.

Here are a few of the details on Arcadia High’s Class of 2024.

Cheers to achievement

Arcadia High’s Class of 2024 comprised 759 students, each contributing to an average GPA of 3.45, and a 99.9% graduation rate, according to the district.

More than 80% of the students enrolled in one or more honors or Advanced Placement courses during their time in high school, with the average student taking five AP/Honors courses.

Officials said that was significant increase in advanced coursework compared to prior years.

College acceptance

Arcadia High School graduates will land at some of the most prestigious universities in and around the nation and globe.

• UC Berkeley: 59 students accepted;

• UCLA: 33 students accepted;

• Harvard University: 1 student accepted;

• Yale University: 1 student accepted;

• Stanford University: 1 student accepted;

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology: 1 student accepted;

• Caltech: 1 student accepted;

• Columbia University: 1 student accepted;

• Princeton: 1 student accepted;

• Brown University: 4 students accepted;

They’ll be attending 57 different colleges in California and 28 different colleges across six countries, including the U.K., France, Japan, Mexico, and China, according to the district.

Diverse paths

While 434 students will be attending four-year colleges, 281 students will land at two-year colleges, according to the district.

And 22 students will pursue vocational training at trade schools.

That echoes a growing interest in diverse career pathways after high school.

Popular Majors

The Class of 2024 has shown particular interest in the following fields of study:

• Biology: 40 students

• Computer Science: 40 students

• Business: 37 students

• Psychology: 35 students

• Nursing: 26 students

• Mechanical Engineering: 17 students

• Business Administration: 16 students

• Biochemistry: 14 students

“The Arcadia High School Class of 2024 has set a high standard for academic excellence and community involvement,” officials said. “As these students embark on the next chapter of their educational journeys, they carry forward a legacy of hard work, resilience, and dedication.

“The Arcadia community celebrates their achievements and looks forward to their continued success. Once an Apache, always an Apache.”